It’s the biggest awards show for kids, and you know what that means!
The orange blimps are coming out, our favorite stars are preparing to take the stage, and somewhere behind the scenes, an enormous amount of green slime is waiting for its next unsuspecting victim.
Because when it comes to celebrating the biggest names in entertainment, nobody does it quite like Nickelodeon.
From unforgettable musical performances and surprise celebrity appearances to those wonderfully messy moments that have become part of the show’s identity, the Kids’ Choice Awards have spent decades giving young audiences the opportunity to celebrate the movies, television shows, music and personalities they love most.
And unlike most major entertainment award ceremonies, there’s one particularly important difference.
The kids get to decide who wins!
Now, another exciting celebration is just around the corner, and this year’s nominations are bringing together some of the biggest names and most beloved characters in entertainment.
Nickelodeon has officially announced the nominees for the 2026 Kids’ Choice Awards, with Grammy-nominated musician Alex Warren set to host the 39th annual ceremony on November 14, 2026.
Broadcasting live from Los Angeles, the ceremony will air on CBS and Nickelodeon from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET, with a simultaneous livestream available to Paramount+ Premium subscribers in the United States.
And with 36 categories celebrating everything from animation and television to music, sports, gaming and digital entertainment, there’s certainly no shortage of familiar faces competing for one of those iconic orange blimps.
Leading the individual nominations this year is Taylor Swift, who has earned six nominations, followed closely by Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter with five each.
Other major musical acts represented include BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Cardi B and Karol G.
But while the music categories are certainly bringing some impressive competition, it’s the collection of animated films and family entertainment properties that has us particularly excited.
After all, some of the biggest animated adventures of the year are preparing to go head-to-head!
Among the nominees for Favorite Animated Movie are “KPop Demon Hunters,” “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “Toy Story 5,” “Zootopia 2,” “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” “Minions & Monsters,” “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie” and “Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.”
And if you’re having trouble choosing between those titles, you’re certainly not alone.
From the return of Woody and Buzz Lightyear to another adventure with Mario and his friends, this year’s animated movie category is filled with familiar characters, exciting new stories and franchises that have become important parts of children’s entertainment.
Of course, there’s also a certain trio of demon-hunting K-pop stars who have made quite the impression.
That’s right, HUNTR/X is heading to the Kids’ Choice Awards!
“KPop Demon Hunters” has earned nominations across several categories, including Favorite Animated Movie, Favorite Female Animated Voice from a Movie for Arden Cho as Rumi and Favorite Male Animated Voice from a Movie for Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu.
And the film’s breakout musical hit “Golden,” performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, is competing for Favorite Song from a Movie.
But that’s not all.
The film’s central trio of Rumi, Zoey and Mira, voiced by Arden Cho, Ji-young Yoo and May Hong, is also nominated in the brand-new Favorite On-Screen Duo/Trio category.
And considering just how much their friendship is at the heart of the film, that’s a particularly fitting nomination.
The new category also brings together several other memorable partnerships, including Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from “Zootopia 2,” Woody, Buzz and Jessie from “Toy Story 5,” and Glinda and Elphaba from “Wicked: For Good.”
Meanwhile, the animated voice acting categories are filled with some equally recognizable names.
Anya Taylor-Joy and Brie Larson are nominated for their performances as Princess Peach and Rosalina in “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” while Ginnifer Goodwin returns to the nominations as Judy Hopps in “Zootopia 2.”
Joan Cusack is also nominated for her performance as Jessie in “Toy Story 5,” alongside Mckenna Grace as Skye in “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie” and Rihanna as Smurfette in “Smurfs.”
On the male side, Chris Pratt and Jack Black are both nominated for “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” joining Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Tom Hanks as Woody and Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants.
And really, an awards show celebrating children’s entertainment wouldn’t feel complete without SpongeBob making an appearance somewhere.
Speaking of familiar animated faces, the Favorite Cartoon category is bringing together another impressive collection of television favorites.
“Big City Greens,” “Phineas and Ferb,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Teen Titans Go!,” “The Bad Guys: The Series” and “The Simpsons” are all competing for the award.
It’s an interesting mix of long-running favorites and newer animated productions, highlighting just how many different styles of comedy and storytelling continue to connect with audiences.
And for fans of live-action children’s television, the competition is looking just as exciting.
Favorite Kids TV Show nominees include “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” “Soy Luna: Let’s Roll Again,” “The Thundermans: Undercover,” “Vampirina: Teenage Vampire” and “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.”
Several stars from those productions are also competing in the individual acting categories, including Gordon Cormier, Walker Scobell, Leah Sava’ Jeffries, Kira Kosarin, Jack Griffo, Janice LeAnn Brown and Kenzi Richardson.
And with so many familiar characters represented, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be quite the celebration of both returning franchises and newer stories.
The Kids’ Choice Awards are also introducing a new category called Watch Party: Kids’ Choice, recognizing some of the television movies and special releases that have captured audiences’ attention.
Nominees include “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie,” “Camp Rock 3,” “Clash of the Thundermans,” “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland,” “Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado” and “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.”
And with music, magic, superheroes and plenty of familiar Disney characters represented, there’s certainly something for nearly every kind of fan.
Beyond television and film, the awards will once again recognize popular video games, creators, podcasts and sports stars.
This year’s Favorite Video Game nominees include “Among Us,” “Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game,” “Fortnite,” “Minecraft,” “Roblox” and “Super Mario Bros. Wonder.”
Meanwhile, Favorite Podcast includes “Avatar: Braving the Elements,” “Percy Jackson and the Olympians Official Podcast” and several other popular programs.
A third new category, Favorite Clutch Player of the Year, will recognize standout athletes alongside the show’s returning sports awards.
And with fan voting now officially open, audiences can begin supporting their favorites ahead of November’s big celebration.
Additional musical performances and celebrity appearances will be announced closer to the ceremony.
But one thing is already certain.
Between the return of some of animation’s most beloved characters, major musical stars and a new host preparing to experience Nickelodeon’s signature slime, the 2026 Kids’ Choice Awards are shaping up to be a wonderfully messy celebration.
The 2026 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards will air live Saturday, November 14, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Nickelodeon, with a simultaneous livestream on Paramount+ Premium in the United States. The ceremony will be available on demand the following day for Paramount+ Premium and Essential subscribers in the U.S., with international Paramount+ availability following its Nickelodeon broadcast.
And now, with the nominees officially revealed, there’s only one question left.
Who will be taking home those orange blimps?
Well, that’s up to you!
Check out the complete list of nominees below and get ready to vote for your favorites.
Because the slime is waiting, the stars are coming, and the Kids’ Choice Awards are officially back!
2026 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards — Full Nominees
Favorite Movie
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- How to Train Your Dragon
- Jurassic World Rebirth
- Lilo & Stitch
- Moana
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Superman
- Wicked: For Good
Favorite Movie Actress
- Anne Hathaway — Andy Sachs, The Devil Wears Prada 2
- Ariana Grande — Glinda, Wicked: For Good
- Catherine Laga’aia — Moana, Moana
- Cynthia Erivo — Elphaba, Wicked: For Good
- Millie Bobby Brown — Enola Holmes, Enola Holmes 3
- Scarlett Johansson — Zora Bennett, Jurassic World Rebirth
- Zendaya — MJ, Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Zoe Saldaña — Neytiri, Avatar: Fire and Ash
Favorite Movie Actor
- Adam Sandler — Happy Gilmore, Happy Gilmore 2
- David Corenswet — Clark Kent/Superman, Superman
- Dwayne Johnson — Maui, Moana
- Hugh Jackman — George Handy, The Sheep Detectives
- John Cena — Buddy Crane, Coyote vs. Acme
- Ryan Gosling — Ryland Grace, Project Hail Mary
- Tom Holland — Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Zach Galifianakis — Dr. Jumba Jookiba, Lilo & Stitch
Favorite Animated Movie
- Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender
- KPop Demon Hunters
- Minions & Monsters
- PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- Toy Story 5
- Zootopia 2
Favorite Female Animated Voice from a Movie
- Anya Taylor-Joy — Princess Peach, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- Arden Cho — Rumi, KPop Demon Hunters
- Brie Larson — Rosalina, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- Gabrielle Union — Jett Fillmore, GOAT
- Ginnifer Goodwin — Judy Hopps, Zootopia 2
- Joan Cusack — Jessie, Toy Story 5
- Mckenna Grace — Skye, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
- Rihanna — Smurfette, Smurfs
Favorite Male Animated Voice from a Movie
- Ahn Hyo-seop — Jinu, KPop Demon Hunters
- Chris Pratt — Mario, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- Jack Black — Bowser, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- Jason Bateman — Nick Wilde, Zootopia 2
- Michael B. Jordan — Ollie, Swapped
- Tim Allen — Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story 5
- Tom Hanks — Woody, Toy Story 5
- Tom Kenny — SpongeBob SquarePants, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Watch Party: Kids’ Choice — New Category
- A Very Jonas Christmas Movie
- Camp Rock 3
- Clash of the Thundermans
- Descendants: Wicked Wonderland
- Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado
- Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires
Favorite Villain
- Emily Blunt — Emily Charlton, The Devil Wears Prada 2
- Jack Black — Bowser, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- Jeff Goldblum — The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked: For Good
- John Cena — Buddy Crane, Coyote vs. Acme
- Julia Garner — Shalla-Bal/The Silver Surfer, Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Mark Hamill — The Flying Dutchman, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
- Sadie Sink — Jean Grey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Zach Galifianakis — Dr. Jumba Jookiba, Lilo & Stitch
Favorite Kids TV Show
- Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians
- Soy Luna: Let’s Roll Again
- The Thundermans: Undercover
- Vampirina: Teenage Vampire
- Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Favorite Family TV Show
- Abbott Elementary
- Ghosts
- Ginny & Georgia
- Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair
- One Piece
- Stranger Things
- Wednesday
- XO, Kitty
Favorite TV Show Reality Competition
- American Idol
- American Ninja Warrior
- America’s Got Talent
- LEGO Masters
- Survivor
- The Voice
Favorite Cartoon
- Big City Greens
- Phineas and Ferb
- SpongeBob SquarePants
- Teen Titans Go!
- The Bad Guys: The Series
- The Simpsons
Favorite Female TV Star (Kids)
- Elizabeth Yu — Azula, Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Janice LeAnn Brown — Billie, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
- Kenzi Richardson — Vampirina “Vee” Hauntley, Vampirina: Teenage Vampire
- Kira Kosarin — Phoebe Thunderman, The Thundermans: Undercover
- Leah Sava’ Jeffries — Annabeth Chase, Percy Jackson and the Olympians
- Maya Le Clark — Chloe Thunderman, The Thundermans: Undercover
Favorite Male TV Star (Kids)
- Alkaio Thiele — Roman Russo, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
- Aryan Simhadri — Grover Underwood, Percy Jackson and the Olympians
- David Henrie — Justin Russo, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
- Gordon Cormier — Aang, Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Jack Griffo — Max Thunderman, The Thundermans: Undercover
- Walker Scobell — Percy Jackson, Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Favorite Female TV Star (Family)
- Anna Cathcart — Kitty, XO, Kitty
- Antonia Gentry — Ginny Miller, Ginny & Georgia
- Catherine Zeta-Jones — Morticia Addams, Wednesday
- Emma Myers — Enid Sinclair, Wednesday
- Jenna Ortega — Wednesday Addams, Wednesday
- Millie Bobby Brown — Eleven, Stranger Things
- Sadie Sink — Max Mayfield, Stranger Things
- Quinta Brunson — Janine Teagues, Abbott Elementary
Favorite Male TV Star (Family)
- Bryan Cranston — Hal, Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair
- Cedric the Entertainer — Calvin Butler, The Neighborhood
- David Harbour — Jim Hopper, Stranger Things
- Finn Wolfhard — Mike Wheeler, Stranger Things
- Frankie Muniz — Malcolm Wilkerson, Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair
- Isaac Ordonez — Pugsley Addams, Wednesday
- Joe Keery — Steve Harrington, Stranger Things
- Tyler James Williams — Gregory Eddie, Abbott Elementary
Favorite On-Screen Duo/Trio — New Category
- Arden Cho, Ji-young Yoo and May Hong — Rumi, Zoey and Mira, KPop Demon Hunters
- Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo — Glinda and Elphaba, Wicked: For Good
- Gaten Matarazzo and Joe Keery — Dustin Henderson and Steve Harrington, Stranger Things
- Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman — Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, Zootopia 2
- Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan — Tess Coleman and Anna Coleman, Freakier Friday
- Jenna Ortega and Emma Myers — Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair, Wednesday
- Joan Cusack, Tim Allen and Tom Hanks — Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Toy Story 5
- Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci — Miranda Priestly and Nigel Kipling, The Devil Wears Prada 2
Favorite Female Artist
- Ariana Grande
- Cardi B
- Karol G
- Miley
- Olivia Rodrigo
- ROSÉ
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Artist
- Benson Boone
- Bruno Mars
- Drake
- Ed Sheeran
- Harry Styles
- Justin Bieber
- Lil Uzi Vert
- Tyler, The Creator
Favorite Music Group or Duo
- BLACKPINK
- BTS
- Jonas Brothers
- Maroon 5
- Twenty One Pilots
- Weezer
Favorite Female Breakout Artist/Group
- ADÉLA
- Ella Langley
- KATSEYE
- Olivia Dean
- RAYE
- Stella Lefty
Favorite Male Breakout Artist/Group
- BigXthaPlug
- Don Toliver
- Noah Kahan
- Role Model
- SOMBR
- Temper City
Favorite Song
- “Daisies” — Justin Bieber
- “drop dead” — Olivia Rodrigo
- “hate that i made you love me” — Ariana Grande
- “I Just Might” — Bruno Mars
- “Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter
- “SWIM” — BTS
- “The Fate of Ophelia” — Taylor Swift
- “The Time of My Life” — Benson Boone
Favorite Song from a Movie
- “Big Guy” — Ice Spice, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
- “Dream As One” — Miley, Avatar: Fire and Ash
- “For Good” — Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked: For Good
- “Golden” — EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, KPop Demon Hunters
- “I Knew It, I Knew You” — Taylor Swift, Toy Story 5
- “Just Keep Watching” — Tate McRae, F1
- “RUNWAY” — Lady Gaga and Doechii, The Devil Wears Prada 2
- “Zoo” — Shakira, Zootopia 2
Favorite Viral Song
- “Babydoll” — Jamie Miller
- “Boston” — Stella Lefty
- “Choosin’ Texas” — Ella Langley
- “E85” — Don Toliver
- “Hit the Wall” — Gracie Abrams
- “Man I Need” — Olivia Dean
- “TIT FOR TAT” — Tate McRae
- “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” — RAYE
Favorite Music Collaboration
- “Bloodline” — Alex Warren with Jelly Roll
- “Bring Your Love” — Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter
- “Dai Dai” — Shakira and Burna Boy
- “Dracula (with JENNIE)” — Tame Impala and JENNIE
- “I Can’t Love You Anymore” — Ella Langley featuring Morgan Wallen
- “Safe” — Cardi B featuring Kehlani
- “Stateside + Zara Larsson” — PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson
- “The Life of a Showgirl” — Taylor Swift featuring Sabrina Carpenter
Favorite Album
- Am I the Drama? — Cardi B
- ARIRANG — BTS
- ICEMAN — Drake
- Man’s Best Friend — Sabrina Carpenter
- SWAG — Justin Bieber
- The Romantic — Bruno Mars
- The Life of a Showgirl — Taylor Swift
- you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love — Olivia Rodrigo
Favorite Global Music Star
- Africa: Tyla
- Asia: BINI
- Australia: Tame Impala
- Europe: Zara Larsson
- Latin America: Karol G
- North America: Taylor Swift
- UK: Olivia Dean
Favorite Female Creator
- Brooke Monk
- Charli D’Amelio
- Haley Kalil
- Lexi Rivera
- Pokimane
- Salish Matter
- Sofie Dossi
- Taylen Biggs
Favorite Male Creator
- Airrack
- Dude Perfect
- IShowSpeed
- Jesser
- Kai Cenat
- MrBeast
- SeanDoesMagic
- Unspeakable
Favorite Creator Family
- Earle Family
- Familia Diamond
- Jordan and Salish Matter
- Ninja Kidz TV
- The Bucket List Family
- The Fun Squad
- Vlad and Niki
Favorite Female Sports Star
- A’ja Wilson
- Alysa Liu
- Angel Reese
- Caitlin Clark
- Chloe Kim
- Coco Gauff
- Mikaela Shiffrin
- Trinity Rodman
Favorite Male Sports Star
- Anthony Edwards
- LeBron James
- Lewis Hamilton
- Lionel Messi
- Patrick Mahomes
- Shohei Ohtani
- Stephen Curry
- Travis Kelce
Favorite Clutch Player of the Year — New Category
- Caleb Williams
- Eileen Gu
- Freddie Freeman
- Hilary Knight
- Jack Hughes
- Jalen Brunson
- Nelly Korda
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Favorite Video Game
- Among Us
- Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game
- Fortnite
- Minecraft
- Roblox
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Favorite Podcast
- anything goes with emma chamberlain
- Avatar: Braving the Elements
- Baby, This is Keke Palmer
- Hey Jonas!
- LOL Podcast
- New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians Official Podcast
- Stuff You Should Know